Let's Runaway to the Circus!

Each Halloween I like to do coordinating costumes with my husband.  We also decorate our van for trunk-or-treating to match the theme.  This year, I was inspired to do vintage circus after thrifting a heavily embroidered and sequined skirt.  As it turned out, the weather didn't permit trunk-or-treating, so the activities were moved indoors.  I have to admit it was easier decorating a classroom than running electrical cords and such to decorate the van!

I had fun collecting curtains, fringed trim, decorated tins, etc. for the circus theme.  I also found a music box clown that I modified to fit the theme.  I ordered a cymbal-clanging monkey from Amazon.  After printing out letters and different flourishes, I made a sign using foam core board.  The white globe lights around the perimeter operated in random motion and added to the fun.  We also made a "Wheel of Fortune" from a bicycle wheel (not shown).  The kids had fun spinning the wheel and then choosing a prize from the appropriate container.  I also printed several vintage circus posters and hung them around the room.  I found some free calliope music on the internet and had it playing for the evening.

So here's a few more details of the costumes...

Refashion Runway: The Metallic Challenge

Last week's velvet challenge was a lot of fun and a big thanks to everyone who voted!

This week's challenge for Refashion Runway is Metallic.  I really didn't want to make something that was too formal, which seemed to be the natural thing to do with metallic fabric.  I opted, instead, for a more casual look with metallic accents.  I started with a fleece-lined jacket, shower curtain hooks, a sequined t-shirt, and a studded blouse.

CHA and Hot Ribbon

Last month I had the privilege of attending the CHA Mega Show in Anaheim California, courtesy of Imagination International, Inc.  I was asked to demonstrate a product they carry, called Hot Ribbon.

Hot Ribbon is a laser cut strip of polyester that irons on to any porous surface.  It comes in 22 different colors, plus gold and silver metallic.  Each package contains four 18" x 1/8" strips, totaling two yards.  You can even color the ribbon different colors using Copic markers.  I used it to embellish home decor, jewelry, shoes, notebooks, and clothing.

Before I left for the convention, I picked up a denim jacket at a thrift store and paired it with a gauze blouse that I already had in my stash, purchased for the lace panel on the back!  I also used some battenberg lace scraps I had leftover from my boho chic lace vest.  One more addition was a vintage lace hankie.

I began by removing the lace panel and the ruffle from the blouse.  I then attached the ruffle to the waistband of the jacket.  And, that's all I could do before I needed to catch the plane to Southern California.

That first night in my hotel, I hand stitched the battenberg lace around the collar of the jacket.  I also cut away the original cuffs of the jacket, since the sleeves were too long anyway, and added battenberg lace cuffs.  The back of the jacket was embellished with the lace panel that had been previously removed from the blouse.

I then proceeded to iron on the navy blue Hot Ribbon using a Clover mini iron, following the design of the lace.

A close-up of the collar detail.

I added a corner of the vintage hankie to each pocket and secured each with a vintage button.

Just in case you were wondering, Hot Ribbon is machine washable.

You gotta love the Southern California sunshine and palm trees!

On the last day of the convention I was able to walk around and snap a few pictures.  

These "models" even had crocheted shoes to match!

Be still my beating heart...a vintage trailer!  LOVE!

A rubber band loom suit made by children across the country and worn by Jimmy Kimmel.

A yarn mural attached to a chain link fence that continued to evolve each day.

So much creativity at this mega show!  Of course, nature's creativity is pretty awesome also!

Thanks Imagination International, Inc.  for inviting me to come along...
I had a great time!

Stay tuned for more posts featuring Hot Ribbon!

I like to link to these great parties!

Hello Kitty Denim Jacket

My little granddaughter loves anything to do with kittens.  So its only natural that she would also love anything to do with Hello Kitty.  Christmas came early this year due to a Thanksgiving visit from the grandkids instead of a Christmas visit (due to baby sister who is due around Christmastime.)  We'll miss them at Christmas, but we had lots of fun with them this past week!

I try to make as many gifts as possible each year.  I looked at Hello Kitty denim jackets in the stores and figured with a price tag of $25-$35, this would be a good handmade gift...or at least a refashioned gift!

I started with a thrifted denim jacket and Hello Kitty tank top.  Both were in excellent condition and only set me back a total of $5.

The "Tattooed" Denim Jacket

I may not have the urge to tattoo my body, but I did get the urge to tattoo a jacket!  I love the intricate design of some of the henna tattoos and thought they would would look great as embellishments on a denim jacket.  I started with this white denim jacket that I picked up at a thrift store for a few dollars.  Originally, it had eyelet lace trim around the collar, pockets, and cuffs.  I didn't care much for it, so I cut it away! 

I then spent some time...quite a bit of time...drawing designs on the jacket with an ultra fine point sharpie marker.

After I was satisfied with the designs, I used Elmer's washable clear glue and filled in some of the design elements.  I filled an empty paint tube with glue so that I could have a smaller opening and more control over the gluing process.  I let the glue dry thoroughly.  The dried glue works almost like magic in the next step, which is dyeing the jacket. 

I used Rit Denim Blue liquid dye.  I was going for an ombre look, so I started at the bottom of the jacket and worked my way up to get the desired ombre effect.  As you can see in the picture below, I made a makeshift rack to hang my jacket from.  Every 5 minutes I lowered the jacket to the next level, into the dye.  When I got to the level of the inked design, I placed the whole jacket in the dye for a couple of minutes, then placed it in the sink to rinse. 

 The dried glue resists most of the dye, leaving the treated areas lighter.  The glue is washable and disappears in the wash.

 Whenever you dye something, you never know exactly how it will turn out.  With this project, the thread remained white.  I really like the effect, though, since it ties in so nicely with the white in the inked designs!

 

This technique was a bit time consuming, but I'm really happy with the results. 

A few tips:

•Make sure you use Elmer's washable clear glue and let it dry completely.

•I didn't get my jacket wet before dyeing (which is usually recommended for a more consistent result), I didn't want to risk washing away the dried glue and, therefore, ruining the effect.

•Be sure you use a permanent ink marker.  

Update:  Louise in SW Saskatchewan had this useful information to add to the process:

"The thread stayed white because it was probably polyester or a polycotton blend instead of 100% cotton. I am a professional hand dyer and have found out about this.  If you use Elmer's blue School Gel you can get finer lines as it holds it's shape better than the Clear Gel which tends to spread more. I use the Blue Gel for a particular technique and we tried the clear gel to compare and discovered its spreading tendencies."

I was aware of the reason why the thread didn't take the dye, but the advantage of the blue glue was news to me!!

Good luck!

I like to link to these great parties!

Featured on:

Sugar Bee Crafts
The Busy Bee's
Threading My Way
Crafted
A Girl and A Glue Gun

Also featured in Fall 2013 Altered Couture magazine!